Senior Customs Brokerage Manager

Title:

Senior Manager, Customs Brokerage

Location:

Chicago, IL OR Cleveland, OH (Must be in either location – will need to be onsite 3 days/week and remote 2 days/week)

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager, Customs Brokerage oversees multiple teams within a brokerage center, ensuring the effective operation of customs brokerage services. This role is responsible for leading Managers and Supervisors, achieving strategic and financial objectives, and fostering team development. The Senior Manager collaborates with branch leadership, Sales, and senior company leadership to meet strategic goals, control expenses, and drive performance. Succession planning and team growth are critical aspects of this role, ensuring sustainable success and operational excellence.

• Lead and mentor Managers and Supervisors, ensuring they effectively manage their teams and meet operational goals.
• Conduct regular meetings with direct reports, including weekly team meetings and one-on-one sessions.
• Handle escalations, resolve personnel issues, and ensure alignment across all teams within the brokerage center.

• Interact regularly with General Managers and Operations Managers for supported branches to align operations with branch objectives.
• Partner with Sales and senior leadership to achieve strategic goals and support business development initiatives.

• Manage brokerage operations to meet budget goals, control expenses, and drive revenue generation.
• Evaluate staffing needs for the brokerage center and develop resource plans to meet current and future demands.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with established KPIs, accuracy standards, and timeliness in billing and collections.

• Develop teams by fostering a culture of growth, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Identify high-potential employees and create succession plans to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Support training and development initiatives across all levels of the brokerage center.

• Evaluate team performance, provide actionable feedback, and implement strategies to address operational challenges.
• Ensure client satisfaction by maintaining high standards of service and resolving escalated issues promptly.
• Collaborate with Compliance, Finance, and other internal departments to drive process improvements and maintain operational integrity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• U.S. Customs Brokerage License preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in customs brokerage, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, entry processes, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to manage large teams, control expenses, and meet financial and operational goals.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with customs brokerage software.